Tiantai Mountain Scenic Area

Tiantai Mountain is a famous national scenic area situated in Tiantai County, Taizhou City, in eastern Zhejiang Province. It is known for its beautiful scenery and for being the cradle of the Tiantai Sect of Chinese Buddhism including the Japanese and Korean Tiantai Buddhist Sects and also for being the home of the South Sect of Taoism.

Tiantai Mountain has other attractions including its historical sites and its tranquil flora comprised of evergreen plants, and a unique geography. Covering an area of 187 square kilometers (about 72 square miles), the scenic area is divided into 13 parts including Guoqing Scenic Area, and Chicheng Scenic Area among others. Each area has its own unique attractions. Guoqing Temple, Shiliang Waterfall, Huading Peak are among the most beautiful natural sights

Guoqing Temple

At the foot of Tiantai Mountain, Guoqing Temple was built in 598 in the Sui Dynasty (581-618) according to the last wish of 'Wisdom', an eminent monk. It is said that he founded the Chinese Tiantai Sect of Buddhism. Later its doctrines were spread abroad, mainly to Korea and Japan. These external cultures significantly influenced the development of Korean and Japanese Buddhist Sects. Guoqing Temple has been restored many times in later dynasties. The most recent general renovation was during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Guoqing Temple now is a grand and unique architectural complex consisting of more than 600 rooms and 14 halls. It is one of the best preserved large temples in China.

Shiliang Waterfall

The Shiliang Waterfall is a masterpiece of nature. A stone beam spans two steep cliffs, known as Shiliang, a so-called Stone Bridge, ranges from 19 centimeters (about 7 inches) wide at the narrowest and to about 48 centimeters (about 19 inches) at the widest point. The waterfall plummets 30 meters (about 98 feet) into a deep pool with a thundering roar. The sight is magnificent. Considerable composure and surefootedness are required to walk across the beam.

Huading Peak

In stark contrast to the Shiliang Waterfall, Huading Peak is the highest peak of Tiantai Mountain with the height of 1,138 meters (about 3,733 feet). Because it is always nestled in clouds, it is famous for the view its clouds gathering. The top is the best place to view sunrise. From the top looking down, Huading and surrounding peaks look like a lotus bud with Huading Peak at the center. Only more than 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) high, Tiantai Mountain basks in a comfortable climate among graceful surroundings that is a pleasant respite from city life.

Note: Tiantai Mountain is famous as a summer resort in Zhejiang Province. The best time to visit is from April to October, so one can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Tiantai Mountain, yet still avoid summer heat. Moreover, it is convenient since it is only two hours by bus from Hangzhou.